Morocco's critical minerals sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with a diverse range of minerals, including phosphate, cobalt, copper, and other critical minerals. The sector has the potential to become a major driver of industrial transformation, enabling the country to move up the value chain and create jobs. According to a policy paper by The Policy Center for the New South, Morocco must develop a national strategy to harness the potential of its critical minerals and position itself on the regional and global stages.
The policy paper proposes a strategic approach that focuses on three key dimensions. The first dimension emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national strategy that brings together public and private stakeholders, researchers, and civil society to define priorities for critical and strategic minerals. The second dimension explores opportunities for African and South-South cooperation, positioning Morocco as a catalyst for regional coalitions that can pool resources and expertise. The third dimension examines Morocco's international positioning in debates on the governance of critical minerals.
Morocco's mining sector has been a significant contributor to the country's economy, with the sector representing 19.3% of national exports in 2024 and attracting MAD 1.3 billion in investments. The sector has also generated MAD 100.84 billion in revenue and created over 49,000 direct jobs in 2023. Two major companies, OCP Group and Managem, are leading players in the sector, operating internationally and contributing to the development of regional mining markets in Africa.
The mining sector is at a critical juncture, with the global transition to renewable energy, changes in supply chains, and national industrialization ambitions converging. The sector requires a coordinated approach to unlock its full potential and develop competitive industrial value chains. However, the current lack of a national strategy and limited intersectoral coordination are major challenges that need to be addressed.
The Moroccan government has taken steps to revitalize the sector, including revising the mining legal framework to open up new opportunities for investment and modernization. The country's ambitions in renewable energy and industrial development offer new opportunities for the sector, particularly in the development of automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.
On the international stage, Morocco is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals. The country's strategic location and natural resources make it an attractive destination for investors, and its participation in international partnerships and coalitions can help to increase its access to global value chains.
To fully harness the potential of its critical minerals sector, Morocco needs a coordinated approach that brings together all stakeholders. A "Team Morocco" approach can help to mobilize talents, optimize investments, and unlock the country's mining potential, enabling Morocco to strengthen its economic position and increase its strategic weight.
Key points
- Morocco's critical minerals sector has the potential to become a major driver of industrial transformation and economic growth.
- The sector requires a comprehensive national strategy to harness its potential and position Morocco on the regional and global stages.
- International partnerships and cooperation can help Morocco to increase its access to global value chains and capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals.
